How & What to Plant Under Shade Trees?

It can be hard to know how and what to plant under shade trees with their dense root systems and lack of sun. The most important thing is to do no harm to the tree itself. No more than 1 to 2 inches of compost or amendment is necessary to plant small shrubs, perennials, and self seeders underneath the canopy of your beautiful tree. I like using Nana Nandina ‘s, azaleas, small hollies and boxwood. What do you plant under yours?

Linda Merch

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My USDA Gardening Zone: 7a

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Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Bits - Quick Kill, 30 Ounce

LiTHELi 20V Cordless 20-Inch Battery Powered Hedge Trimmer, with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger, for Brush & Hedge Trimming, Yard & Garden Care

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[itsjess]

I'm so glad that I watched this video before I started gardening around my trees! Phew!

[mrchlorophyll]

I'm so glad you brought up the importance of leaving the root flare of the tree exposed and not covered in a mountain of mulch as is so common in suburban and commercial landscaping. People don't realize that a tree's root flare is involved in oxygen exchange and should not be covered - not to mention how mulching the trunk of a tree invites all sorts of insect and disease pressure!

[pattyburnett]

This was the best advice I've ever received about how to plant a garden under an oak tree. Thank you so very much!!

[cynthiathurston]

Yes, I like your fashion bits. Please keep them coming!

[lizraper]

I plant ferns in shade.
Love how you are so un- precious about your clothes, that's my definition of confidence.x

[marilynrobinson]

You are a fashion-gardener Diva! I LOVE IT!!! Please Keep the fashion bits coming!

[deborahr]

Yes to gardening AND fashion - win, win. Picked up on that Coco vibe immediately!!

[tammyleavy]

Gorgeous neighberhood, why would anyone move? I love everything you do, you keep it so real. Shopping at the thrift store, bargains and deals. There is nothing stuffy about you. Keep going with your videos and much success to you, you deserve it!

[bimirabu]

I feel like you addressed all of the concerns I had about planting under a canopy. No one else was talking about how crowding the tree roots with mulch, etc can lead to problems, no one else was really addressing the health of the tree and how the right understory choices could be mutually beneficial. You hit 👏🏾all 👏🏾 the👏🏾points for this concerned, first-time lawn owner gardener. Thank you!

[kandymyers]

Thank you for clarifying plant size. I wasn’t sure even small plantings would survive well but your garden is proof that it can and still maintain the tree’s integrity. Very appreciated.

[bethreaves]

I really like your blouse and jacket combo. Very pretty!

[lynnb]

Oxford, UK. I have a very large chestnut tree from my neighbours garden which I grow under. Its deep shade, dry and gets covered in leaves each Autumn. I grow ferns, hardy cranesbill, ajuga, pulminaria, and wild garlic (ramsons) in this spot. All these plants absolutely thrive under the canopy and are very low maintenance. Love this broadcast today, and loving reading everyone's comments too. So grateful to you Linda, and Stewart too of course 😁

[gaylabarre]

I love to thrift too for unique jackets and tops. I especially like you in brighter colors. It makes your hair and eye color stand out. Plus your assortment of garden boots makes me so jealous.

[mrs.riche]

Gardening, cooking, fashion, home decor, thrifting, basically anything Linda Vater is greatly appreciated! I promise I'm not a stalker🤣 Just love your style and personality!

[nancycavins]

Hi Linda, I LUV watching ur videos. They inspire and inform me. And u ALWAYS look so cute! Keep up the good work.

[jerrydanaseagle]

I am in North Carolina...zone 7b. My entire yard is shaded by large old oak trees except for a small space near the street. I have dappled light because the canopy is high and open. My favorite plants are hellebores, hydrangeas, azaleas, foxglove, hosta, liriope, and bulbs. In the sunnier areas I manage to grow some iris, day lilies, bleeding heart. I do not have any luck with astilbe or coral bells. I love my shade gardens because it is usually 8 to 10 degrees cooler in my back yard during the hottest part of the summer which is much appreciated here. Your videos are my favorites and have inspired me to begin refurbishing those areas that have been a little neglected over the years. Thank you for your enthusiasm and just plain fun videos.

[patriciarecupero]

I grow mostly in the shade in RI, zone 6b. I am having good luck with bleeding hearts, hellebores, coral bells, sedum, columbine in dappled sun/shade, and a new favorite is hardy geraniums.

[janetcopeland]

I have ferns underneath some large trees in my yard as well as hellebores and the old standby, Hosta's. My zone is 7b - I'm in Cleveland, Georgia at the edge of the blue ridge mountains. And, I really enjoy your fashion talk at the end of your sessions. Makes it seem friendly and fun.

[emilyk]

Hosts 💚 and ferns in my shade bed, but grateful for this video and the comments so I can 'branch' out.

[pennylivingston]

Yes to your garden and fashion tips. A high, high thumbs up.